Sonoma County Sheriff Candidate Forum on Cannabis.

First Ever Sheriff Candidates Cannabis Debate Slated for Sonoma County April 12th

SANTA ROSA, CA — Co-hosting the first ever cannabis debate between candidates for Sonoma County Sheriff, Citizens for Responsible Access (CRA), Americans for Safe Access —Sonoma County Chapter(ASA), and the Sonoma County Growers Alliance (SCGA) are excited to announce this one of a kind free event. All residents of Sonoma County are invited to attend and listen to the candidates share their vision for enforcement of the new local and state cannabis regulations.

As adult-use cannabis comes online across the State, implementation of a new regulatory system is going to change the way enforcement takes place. Will our soon-to-be elected officials be ready? What are their positions? What historically has been a law enforcement issue is moving towards a code-enforcement issue. Will this still be the case? Attend to find out.

2018 candidates for Sheriff of Sonoma County in attendance will be Sonoma County Sheriff’s Captain Mark Essick, retired Los Angeles Police Captain John Mutz, and retired Santa Rosa Police Lieutenant and current Santa Rosa City Councilman Ernesto Olivares. Each candidate will be given a chance to respond to questions from the moderator that they have received in advance as well as some questions held in reserve. This will be followed by answers to questions submitted from the audience.

Voting in Sonoma County starts in early May. This evening will prove to be informative. The event is especially relevant to the cities of Sonoma and Windsor whose law enforcement is under the jurisdiction of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. Ask your own questions and speak directly to the candidates in an post-debate mixer.

Inform yourself about the sheriff candidates’ attitudes and intentions for supporting the burgeoning cannabis industry, including questions about future policing and enforcement, coordinating with other agencies, prioritizing the department’s budget, and where money previously allocated to cannabis control may be redirected.

The debate will be held at the Glaser Center at 547 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa on April 12th from 5:30–7pm, followed by a mingle from 7–8pm.Free, light refreshments will be served. Free parking is available behind the center.

Citizens for Responsible Access supports sound cannabis policies in California and the candidates, initiatives, and regulations that govern such policies, which protect the environment, enhance public safety, offer education, and are fiscally responsible in order to protect the right of all people to fair treatment under state and local law.

Americans for Safe Access works to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic use and research. The Sonoma County Chapter meets the first Thursday of the month at 6pm at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa.

Sonoma County Growers Alliance develops and preserves reasonable environmental, social, and economic standards in our community. SCGA works cooperatively with all individuals, businesses and regulatory bodies to ensure that cannabis operators within the community participate and thrive responsibly.

Please contact Craig Litwin for any questions or for general press inquiries.